News & Media

Stz’uminus artist John Marston unveils new ‘Welcome’ sign

Stz’uminus artist John Marston (Qap’u’luq) has unveiled his captivating artistic gateway sign featuring Coast Salish style carving that will welcome all to Stz’uminus territory and the Ladysmith community for many years to come. 

An unveiling ceremony was held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Baker Road on the south end of town where the new entrance sign is installed prominently along Highway 1 against the backdrop of Ladysmith Harbour.

Marston and members of his family were joined at the event by Mayor Aaron Stone, Chief John Elliot and councillors from Ladysmith and Stz’uminus, as well as a representative from Western Forest Products, a key partner on the project.

“On behalf of Council and the community, I’d like to thank John for this masterful piece that symbolizes and reaffirms the commitments made between Ladysmith and Stz’uminus over the last number of decades and our ongoing shared work together,” said Mayor Aaron Stone.  “Today is another big part in our collective story, and it represents the opportunity and promise of coming together and moving forward in a good way by putting reconciliation into action, every day.”

Marston’s carving work and traditional painted design prominently features an eagle on the left timber post– connecting this piece to the prominent Welcome Figure installed at the Ladysmith Secondary School.

The top beam acknowledges the ‘Unceded Stz’uminus Territory’ with a painted seawolf in the background.  The seawolf is a significant creature for the Stz’uminus First Nations and its placement behind the land acknowledgement is symbolic.

The right upright depicts the transformation of the seawolf to the killer whale.

“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to create a welcome sign for our strong communities.  This work is representative of the continued strength our nations share in the hopes for a better future for the next generation. When I received final wording for the land acknowledgment I felt such immense pride.  This is another step in the right direction of working together as one - Naut’sa mawt,” said John Marston. “While I was working on this, I thought a lot about the relationships and families in our region. This is a welcome sign, but I see so much more. I see our communities standing up together and pushing for the best we can do.”

The Town gratefully acknowledges the receipt of Douglas Fir timbers donated by Western Forest Products for the completion of the new territory and community welcome.  Detail pieces on the sign are Garry Oak.

Further funding for the carving piece and other signs refreshed throughout downtown, as well as the addition of new wayfinding and directional signage along 1^st Avenue, is being provided through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.

For the latest news and updates, visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

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For Information:

Mike Gregory
Communications and Engagement Specialist
mgregory@ladysmith.ca
250.210.1740